摘要 |
A seal in an electrochemical fuel cell prevents fluid in a space from leakin g. The seal includes a first layer and a second layer having different coefficients of elasticity. The seal is made of rubber. An electrochemical fuel cell include s an electrolyte membrane, a first electrode on one side of the electrolyte membrane and a second electrode on another side of the electrolyte membrane, a first separator and a second separator, and the seal. The first and second separators sandwich the first and second electrodes. The seal is not only provided between the electrolyte membrane and one of the first and second separators for sealing a path of a fuel gas or an oxidative gas, but is also between the first and second separators for seali ng a coolant path. Since the softer layer in the seal elastically deforms and absorbs a surface roughness of the electrolyte membrane or the electrode, the sealing ability of the seal is high. The seal can responds to and follows a length of the electrolyte membrane or the separator changed by varying temperature. Furthermore, since the harder layer supports the electrolyte membrane or the electrode, a high stiffness of the fuel cell stack can be obtained. |